Gavin Howe
Container deposit legislation (CDL), also known as bottle bills, are laws that require consumers to pay a refundable deposit on certain beverage containers to ensure an increased recycling rate. While CDL remains popular in most states that have them, Florida is yet to implement such a law. However, there have been multiple attempts to introduce CDL in Florida, with the most recent proposal suggesting a 20-cent or 30-cent deposit on plastic, glass, and aluminum containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of can deposit law in Florida | Florida does not have a can deposit law as of 2019 |
| Number of states in the US with a can deposit law | 10 |
| States with can deposit laws | California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont |
| Average recycling rate of beverage containers in the US | 33% |
| Average recycling rate of beverage containers in states with can deposit laws | 70% |
| Deposit amount in the proposed Florida can deposit law | 20 cents or 30 cents |
| Containers covered under the proposed Florida can deposit law | Plastic, glass, and aluminum |
| Container size covered under the proposed Florida can deposit law | 6 fluid ounces to 1 gallon |
| Advantages of can deposit laws | Reduced litter, increased recycling rates, and reduced costs for companies |
| Disadvantages of can deposit laws | Costly and cumbersome for retailers and beverage distributors, requires sorting and storing returned containers, and updating accounting systems |
| Unredeemed deposits in states with can deposit laws | Tens of millions of dollars each year |
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What You'll Learn
Container deposit legislation (CDL)
In the United States, CDL is commonly referred to as "bottle bills." There are currently 11 states with CDL in the US, with Oregon being the first state to pass such legislation in 1972. The deposit/refund value is typically 10 cents per container, although it can vary depending on the state and the type of beverage and container. For example, in California, the deposit is 5 cents for containers less than 24 fluid ounces and 10 cents for containers 24 fluid ounces or larger.
There have been campaigns to introduce or expand CDL in various US states, including Washington, Texas, and Tennessee. Similarly, in Australia, CDL has been implemented in several states and territories, with South Australia being the first in 1977. The deposit value in Australia is typically 10 cents per container, although it can vary depending on the state or territory.
Overall, CDL has been shown to be successful in increasing recycling rates. States with CDL in the US have an average beverage container recycling rate of 70%, compared to 33% in states without such legislation. Similarly, in Australia, the NSW scheme has been successful, with over 1 billion containers recovered in 2017 and a return rate of 75.8%.
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Increased recycling rates
Container deposit legislation (CDL), also known as bottle bills, requires consumers to pay a small deposit on certain types of recyclable beverage containers. This deposit is refunded when the empty container is returned to a retailer or recycling centre. The aim of this legislation is to increase recycling rates and reduce litter.
The United States' overall beverage container recycling rate is approximately 33%. However, states with container deposit laws have a 70% average rate of beverage container recycling. Michigan had the highest recycling rate of 97% from 1990 to 2008, with a deposit rate of $0.10. Other states with high recycling rates include Oregon, Maine, and California.
In 2019, two Florida legislators proposed introducing a deposit on cans and bottles to reduce litter and increase recycling. The proposed deposit would be 20 or 30 cents on plastic, glass, and aluminium containers between 6 fluid ounces and a gallon. This is a higher deposit rate than other states, which typically charge between 5 and 15 cents. While the proposal has not yet become law, it is supported by many Florida residents, with a poll showing that 60% of state residents support a bottle bill.
The potential impact of a container deposit law in Florida is significant. States with deposit laws have seen an increase in recycling rates, with an average of 70% of bottles and cans being returned. Higher deposit rates also encourage higher return rates, as seen in Michigan with its 10-cent deposit and over 90% return rate. However, some states with lower deposit values, such as Massachusetts with its 5-cent deposit, have lower return rates of around 40%.
Overall, the implementation of container deposit legislation in Florida has the potential to increase recycling rates significantly, reducing litter and having a positive impact on the environment.
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Unredeemed deposits
Florida does not currently have a container deposit law. However, there have been multiple proposals to introduce one, with the aim of reducing litter and increasing recycling. The latest proposal, in 2019, was for a 20-cent deposit on plastic, glass, and aluminum containers between 6 fluid ounces and a gallon.
The proposed Florida legislation does not specify how unredeemed deposits would be allocated. In other states with container deposit laws, unredeemed deposits are sometimes split with retailers, used to fund recycling efforts, or put into the state's general fund.
The potential financial benefit of unredeemed deposits can be a persuasive argument for the introduction of container deposit laws. However, it is important to note that the primary purpose of such laws is to increase recycling rates and reduce litter. In states with container deposit laws, the average beverage container recycling rate is 70%, compared to 33% in states without such laws.
While container deposit laws have been shown to be effective in increasing recycling rates, there are also potential drawbacks. Some retailers and beverage distributors oppose these laws, citing the cost and inconvenience of implementing them. Additionally, there have been reports of increased crime and drug activity at recycling centers.
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Opposition from retailers
Container deposit legislation (CDL), or "bottle bills", are laws that require a refundable deposit on certain types of recyclable beverage containers to ensure an increased recycling rate. While CDL is popular among consumers, retailers and beverage distributors often oppose it, citing the following reasons:
Retailer Opposition to Container Deposit Legislation
Costly and Cumbersome
Retailers often argue that implementing CDL is costly and cumbersome. They are required to accept returns, which involves sorting and storing the containers. Additionally, they need to update their accounting systems to track deposits collected and redeemed. While some states offer retailers a cut of the unredeemed deposits, this aspect is not yet defined in the Florida proposal.
Impact on Business Operations
Retailers may also worry about the impact on their business operations, including increased labour costs for handling returns and potential disruptions to their regular activities. In some cases, retailers have expressed concerns about the lack of support or enforcement from authorities, as seen in the example of Iowa's law, where enforcement was described as "almost non-existent."
Opposition from Beverage Manufacturers
Major beverage manufacturers have been known to lobby against CDL, as seen in the case of New South Wales, where they unsuccessfully opposed the introduction of a container deposit scheme. Their opposition may be driven by concerns over the potential impact on their production and distribution processes, as well as the cost of implementing changes to their packaging and supply chain.
Alternative Solutions Proposed
In some instances, retailers and industry groups have proposed alternative solutions to CDL. For example, the Victorian Greens in Australia initially supported a container deposit scheme but later opted for a national scheme instead. Similarly, the Napthine government in Victoria indicated support for a state-based scheme but ultimately decided not to back a bottle refund scheme. These shifts in position highlight the complex considerations and negotiations involved in implementing CDL.
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Similar bills in other states
Container deposit legislation (CDL), also known as "bottle bills", requires a refundable deposit on certain types of recyclable beverage containers to increase recycling rates. While the US's overall beverage container recycling rate is approximately 33%, states with container deposit laws have an average rate of 70%.
There are currently ten states with container deposit laws: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. Oregon was the first state to pass such legislation in 1971, followed by Vermont in 1973, and Hawaii in 2002.
Several other states have attempted to introduce similar bills:
- Washington State: Bottle bills have been proposed several times in 1970, 1979, 1982, 2023, and 2024, modelled after Oregon's system.
- Texas: A bottle bill was unsuccessfully introduced in 2011, with a redemption goal of 75% and a deposit rate of 10 cents for containers 24 US fl oz or less, and 15 cents for larger containers.
- Tennessee: A bottle bill was proposed in 2009 and 2010 but failed to pass, despite endorsements from ten county commissions.
Florida is also considering a 20-cent deposit on bottles and cans to reduce litter and increase recycling, with House Bill 853 and Senate Bill 672 pending before the state House and Senate.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Florida does not currently have a can deposit law.
Can deposit laws, also known as container deposit legislation (CDL) or bottle bills, require a refundable deposit on certain types of recyclable beverage containers to ensure an increased recycling rate.
Can deposit laws have been proven to reduce litter and increase the recycling rates of containers. States with can deposit laws have an average beverage container recycling rate of 70%, compared to 33% in states without such laws.
Yes, there have been attempts to introduce a can deposit law in Florida. In 2019, two legislators proposed a 20-cent or 30-cent deposit on plastic, glass, and aluminum containers between 6 fluid ounces and a gallon. However, the bill did not pass.
Yes, there are currently ten states in the US with can deposit laws: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
